Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Part of the Gang

I don't have a television. Now, that doesn't mean I don't watch things (Netflix) or even own whole DVDs of television shows (Buffy the Vampire Slayer). It just means that if I want to watch something as it is being broadcast, I have to go out.

For example, I might, if the need arises, have to go to a bar.





As everyone in the world knows except for a depressingly large number of my fellow Americans, the World Cup is on. The World Cup is, for the most part, found on TV.


I love everything about the World Cup (except FIFA, of course). I love hearing names and seeing faces from other countries. I love the politely insulting style of British sports commentators, the excellent play from some of the best athletes in the world, the fans with props and wigs and painted faces, screaming in super slow motion after their team has scored.













But I think my very favorite part might be knowing that I am not alone. Not just in the bar, but that around the world, every kind of person imaginable in every kind of place imaginable - including, of course, my family and friends - are watching too.








Because it's just not as exciting to be excited all by yourself. It's a lot more fun to be part of the gang.



Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Too Much Caffeine on a Tuesday

I don't know why I did it. Maybe I was feeling invincible due to getting enough sleep for an unusual three nights in a row, or maybe I thought that I could reenact the fabulous lives of the Knitters of Instagram. Possibly it was the cheerful pink and orange sign, or the fact that I so rarely go out for lunch these days and felt I should be making the most of it.

I still don't know why. What I do know is that is was not the best idea I've ever had.












So, the next time I feel like I need a good old fashioned, skin crawling, heart pounding panic attack at midnight on a Tuesday? Well, I'll know exactly what to do to get one.


Wednesday, May 21, 2014

It's Cute How Clueless You Are.

Let me preface this by saying I genuinely like the people I work with.

Today, my co-workers (who are generally entirely self-directed) were assigned a mandatory task. Despite their reaction, the task did not involve toilet scrubbing, hazard pay, or dangerous animals.

It was implied that they are not paid enough to be forced to complete assignments, and definitely not enough to provide proof that they were completed.

Again, I really do like these people. And because of that, I sincerely hope they never have to get another job for the rest of their lives.

P.S. Yes, they make more than I do.
P.P.S. Yes, I know there are many who work much harder and make much less than I.
P.P.P.S. Raise the minimum wage already.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Home Again, Home Again.

Being away from home and still at work is distinctly strange. Work has always felt like a mostly defensive situation to me, because I'm always worried I'm going to open my big mouth and give myself away as a person who really feels that most of the work we do is not only worthless, an opinion shared by most working people, but actively destructive.




It's not a sentiment that pairs well with what would usually be a vacation. Essentially I feel like I said too much about some things and too little about others and generally appeared to be a very strange person to my fellow trainees. Luckily, I'll never see them again and, to be honest, I am a bit strange.




Clearly, I'm still thinking about that circus thing.








Monday, May 5, 2014

Business Trip

In a few hours I'll be on a plane to California. It will be the first time I've ever been there for professional reasons, and that feels strange. Business trips are for grown ups.

On a related note, I have had a sinus induced toothache on and off for about a month and also I am now forty, or close enough to it as makes no difference.

Naturally my reaction to all of this responsible adult activity is to reflect on what I like best about my life. I like making things. I like traveling. I really like dressing up while still being comfortable. Obviously I need to run away and join the circus before I get too old.